Quantification of the Benefits of Pendent Mammography
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to test the benefits of pendent mammography by imaging women and acquiring both conventional (erect) and pendent mammograms. We performed quantitative analysis of the mammograms, to determine the effect of leaning on the amount of breast tissue imaged, the compression obtained, and the dose to the breast. Additionally, we assessed the preferences of radiologists for pendent images as compared to erect positioned images. Our hypothesis was that pendent mammography provided superior images since gravity from leaning forward aids in pulling the breast away from the body, thereby increasing the amount of retroglandular breast tissue evident on a mammogram. Overall, we found that erect mammography was superior to pendent mammography, imaging more total breast tissue area and delivering a smaller radiation dose. Additionally, radiologists preferences for the images, based on ACR criteria for clinical technical quality, were similar although they preferred the positioning with the erect mammography. While the findings from this study reject our initial hypotheses, it brings to light the problems with positioning the breast with pendent mammography.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA448115
Entities
People
- Catherine W. Piccoli
Organizations
- Thomas Jefferson University